Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-126
Means of egress
Operative Text
(a) Every dwelling unit and rooming unit shall have safe and unobstructed means of egress from the structure. (b) Exits which cannot be cut off in case of fire shall be regarded as a minimum essential; these exits shall be of such nature that they can safely be used by children, the infirm, aged and physically handicapped, where necessary. (c) Every dwelling unit located in a structure containing less than three dwelling units shall have exits which comply with the regulations of the city. Structures containing three or more dwelling units or where rooms are let to five or more persons shall have exits which comply with the requirements of the Multiple Residence Law .
Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-126 requires that every dwelling and rooming unit maintain safe, clear pathways out of the building at all times. At a minimum, at least one exit must remain accessible even during a fire, and exits must be usable by children, elderly residents, and people with physical disabilities where applicable. Smaller buildings with fewer than three units must meet city exit regulations, while larger buildings with three or more units—or where five or more people rent rooms—must also satisfy New York State's Multiple Residence Law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 12 § 12-126, compliant property operators routinely inspect all exit pathways to confirm they are free of obstructions such as stored furniture, debris, or locked gates that would impede escape. Operators of buildings with three or more dwelling units, or where five or more persons rent rooms, also ensure their exit configurations satisfy the requirements of the Multiple Residence Law in addition to local city regulations. Maintaining documentation of regular egress inspections and any corrective actions taken is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-126 of the Poughkeepsie Code of Ordinances gives residents the right to safe, unobstructed exits from their dwelling or rooming unit, including exits that remain usable during a fire and that accommodate people of varying physical abilities. If exits are blocked, locked, or otherwise compromised, tenants may report the condition to the city's code enforcement or housing inspection office, which has authority to investigate and require corrections. Tenant-rights organizations in the Hudson Valley region can help residents understand what remedies may be available, including how to document egress problems and what agencies to contact.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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